The Hoarse Whisperer

I seem to have lost my voice overnight, probably not an unexpected result of too much smoking and drinking the past few days on the island of Boracay (click on the link for a few more pics) in the southern part of the Philippines. Apart from the fact that I sound a bit like Marge Simpson now, I have no complaints. I had a most pleasant and relaxing time. I may have temporarily lost my voice, but that doesn't mean I've been silenced.

First off, thanks to all of you for the thoughtful and sweet birthday greetings you sent here, via email, SMS, or on FB. Pic below was taken at sunset on my birthday in Boracay - the fastest sunset I've experienced in recent history. Lovely, but fleeting, just like many things in life.

I had a nice time there with friends like Madonna English, who fulfilled her dream of opening a Moroccan-themed restaurant/bar called The Kasbah.

And with Victor, a wise, kind old soul who's been educating me about the importance (necessity?) of living in the Now, among other things.

And with several other cool characters from near and far whose names have slipped my mind but whose stories and mannerisms I'll remember for a long time, and of whom I think I'll be speaking or writing, hoarseness (or lack thereof) on my part notwithstanding.